The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, April 11, the fifteenth Lord's Day of this year 2021.

Today we gather in worship of our triune God through our Savior Jesus Christ and by the power of His Holy Spirit. May we worship Him in spirit and in truth and give Him the glory due to Him.

Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. ...The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever. The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. ~ Psalm 29:1,2, 10,11

• If you are visiting this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC, IA) declined the call from Byron Center PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. R. Van Overloop (Grace PRC, Standale, MI) received the call from Kalamazoo PRC.
  
  
• Rev. C. Griess (First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI) is considering the call to Hudsonville PRC (received March 28).
  
  
• The Consistory of Wingham PRC (Ontario, CA) announces a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. R. Barnhill (Peace PRC, Dyer, IN), S. Regnerus (Lynden WA PRC), and N. Langerak (Crete, IL PRC). The congregation will vote, D.V. , on April 20.

• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D.Kuiper and Rev. C. Haak in Byron Center PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. J.Slopsema in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. C.Griess in Kalamazoo PRC; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. R. VanOverloop in Providence PRC. We thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation to help one another in this need.
  
  May we also continue to pray for all the needs of these vacant congregations, including Wingham PRC, which cannot receive pulpit supply from the U.S. at this time (pandemic travel restrictions), though she has resumed in-person worship services.
  
  
• For those who may still be limited to house worship, whether completely or partially, we invite you to visit the PR churches page and follow the links to the websites where the churches' livestream may be found. Or you may visit the selected audio sermon page and listen to one of your choice there.
  
  
• Did you know that...
  • Randolph PRC has a special presentation this week Friday? Here are the details from her bulletin today: The Evangelism Committee is hosting a Spring Evangelism Lecture this Friday evening at church, at 7:30 P.M.  All are welcome.  Mr. Ron Klaasen from the Trinitarian Bible Society will speak on the King James Version of the Bible and compare it to some popular modern translations as the NIV and ESV.  Please invite family and friends to this event.  For more details, you may visit the link that has been created for this event on our church's Facebook page.  There will be refreshments in the basement after the presentation. If you are in the area, maybe you want to take this in.
  • Prof. D. Engelsma (emeritus, PRC Seminary) did another book interview with Chris Arnzen this past Thursday (April 8) on the national radio program "Iron Sharpens Iron"? The subject was Prof. Engelsma's commentary on The Belgic Confession, published by the RFPA. If you missed the interview, you will find the podcast here.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The seminary had its Spring break this past week. We now enter the final four weeks of the semester. Continue to remember the seminary's faculty, students, and staff in your prayers as we approach the final part of the semester.
• The second round of Practice Preaching began on March 29, with Sems. J.Tan and M.Wee delivering their sermons. On Monday, April 12, Sems. M.Koerner and I.Peters will deliver theirs.
• This Thursday afternoon, April 15, Dr. B. Looyenga (Theological School Committee member) will give a lecture on "The Central Flaw in Neo-Kuyperian Theology." This will be held at Southwest PRC, down the hill from seminary. Regrettably, this event is by invitation only.
• The faculty announces that the internship of Seminarian Marcus Wee will take place this summer and fall (July - December) at Faith PRC (Jenison, MI) under Rev. C. Spronk.  Senior student Josiah Tan is preparing to be examined at the 2021 PRC Synod at the request of his home church, Covenant ERC in Singapore.
• The print version of the Fall 2020 issue of the PRTS Journal is now available. The digital copies (pdf & epub) have been posted on the seminary website. Work has now begun on the Spring issue. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, please call or email the seminary.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
• Special Notice for Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2021 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 31st. 

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore: 
  • From the "Pastoral Voice" in her bulletin today: At the Good Friday Gospel Meeting, we are glad to see some visitors at that meeting: both loved ones and friends. You have been inviting them to the church to hear the preaching of the gospel. This is a good start to resume doing the work of evangelism. Due to the pandemic, we are constrained by the number of people that could be in church. Now that the restrictions have been lifted, we are able to invite our friends to church. Let us not only invite our friends and loved ones on special occasions, like Good Friday or Christmas, but let’s invite them every week of the year so that we always have visitors to our worship services. Let us be reminded that the gospel is being preached not only on Good Fridays but on every Lord’s Day! Let us make every effort to invite our friends, colleagues and loved ones to church: those unsaved, facing great crisis and those in need to hear the Word of God to address various issues in their life. Invite them! Pray that God in his mercy will be pleased to show them grace and grant unto them eternal life.
    [That's a good reminder for all of us, don't you think?]
  • The February 2021 (#64) issue of Salt Shakers is available. Be sure to read the varied and profitable articles - especially the young people!
• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland and her Limerick, Ireland mission:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word to the saints in Ballymena.
  • Read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News" - March 2021! - just our this past week
  • Rev. M.McGeown continues to minister the Word in Limerick until he is able to come to the U.S. to serve Providence PRC. In last week's bulletin he provides this update: The Irish government recently announced some changes to the COVID-19 restrictions, but nothing very significant. From 12 April we may travel within our own county and we may meet with one other household outdoors but not in a private garden. On 4 May the government will review the current ban on in-person religious services.  “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4).
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  
  • A new Philippine Newsletter was recently released! Read it at the link provided here.
    
  • From Berean PRC in Manila: Rev. Kleyn will lead us in our worship services today via FB live. The live streaming will be available on Berean PRC Facebook page. Rev. Ibe is scheduled to lead us in our worship services next Sunday, D. V. Ptr. Ibe is also scheduled to lead the saints of PPRC in Marikina in their worship services [by classical appointment] today via FB live, D.V.
  • Provident PRC bulletin: The Lord willing, Rev. V. Ibe will bring us God’s Word today via Facebook Live.
  • PRCP Seminary News: Online classes are continuing at present.
  • The Classis of the PRCP met briefly this past Friday, April 9, via Zoom. The Classis decided to reschedule its meeting for this evening, April 11, starting at 6:00 p.m., the Lord willing.
• Myanmar: Hope PRC reports through Rev. Titus that things continue to deteriorate in the country after the military coup last month. Let's remember this pastor and his congregation as well as other Christians as they suffer due to the political unrest in that land.

Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

• Rev. R.Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA) is currently doing a series on the Gospel according to Mark. Today's message is based on Mark 1:40-45 and titled "The Cleansing of the Leper."
  
• Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast (Google Music, Spotify, and iTunes), or visit the links provided here to listen to this program. Have you listened lately?
• The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet (see the attachment to this news post for the latest one - March 2021). These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Commitee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  

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REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM:

Did you catch the reference to Prof. David Engelsma's work on The Belgic Confession in the news above? You can obtain your own copy from the RFPA here.

• Want to learn more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  
  
• Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.
  
  
• For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.
  
  
• Reformed Book Outlet news:

  The Reformed Book Outlet has reopened and you are welcome to shop the store in downtown Hudsonville (MI). If you have any needs during this time, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This Week's Thought for Contemplation:

In the death and resurrection of Jesus Jehovah is revealed to us as the God of our salvation, who justifies the ungodly. That is the meaning of the name Jesus! But this is not all. In fact, if it were all, He would not be Jesus. Je must not only accomplish that part of salvation that must be done for us, in our behalf, but also that other part that is to be realized within us. Not only our state, our legal status before God, must be changed from one of guilt into one of perfect and everlasting righteousness, also our actual condition must undergo a complete and radical change, such a change as is nothing less than a resurrection from the dead. We must not only be redeemed, but we must also be delivered from sin. We must be changed from death into life, from darkness into light, from rebellious and cursing children of the devil into dear children of God, from the misery and desolation of our natural state into the glory of heavenly perfection. Our whole nature must be radically turned about, so that the image of God is restored in us, and instead of loving the lie we love and do the truth, instead of being slaves of the devil and yielding ourselves as servants of iniquity unto unrighteousness, we follow after righteousness, and instead of being corrupt and rebellious of will and inclination we are consecrated to God. We must receive spiritual eyes to see the things of the kingdom of God, and to recognize Jesus as the revelation of the God of our salvation; and spiritual ears to hear spiritual things, and a spiritual heart to obey the Word of God. And we must receive all these spiritual blessings, not in such manner that after having once received them we now possess them in ourselves, but constantly. We must be united with Christ, that from Him we may live as the branches live out of the vine, as the members live only in organic union with the body. And so we must be preserved even unto the end, and that, too, in the midst of a world in which everything stands opposed to us, and in which the devil, the world, and our flesh constantly try to destroy us. And, finally, we must be glorified. Through death we must pass into heavenly glory, into the ‘first resurrection’ of the building of God, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. And through the grave we must pass into the glory of the final resurrection, that we may inherit the kingdom of God, which flesh and blood cannot inherit. This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality, and the image of the earthly which we now bear must be replaced by the image of the heavenly, that in the new heavens and the new earth we may be fit inhabitants of the tabernacle of God that shall be with men.

Herman Hoeksema in The Triple Knowledge, Vol. 1, pp.456-457

The following are special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this Sunday, April 4, the fourteenth Lord's Day of this year 2021.

Today is Resurrection Sunday, the day we mark and celebrate the glorious resurrection from the dead of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The One who was crucified for us sinners on Friday is now risen from the dead. Hallelujah, what a Savior! May our worship be in the power of His new life in us and in accordance with the glory He now has as our exalted Lord.

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. ...O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor.15:20-22; 55-58

• If you are visiting this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.
  
  
• Today Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC, IA) declined the call from Byron Center PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Hudsonville PRC voted to extend a call to Rev. C. Griess (First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI).
  
  
• The Consistory of Kalamazoo PRC announces a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. Dennis Lee (Bethel PRC, Roselle, IL); Stephan Regnerus (Lynden PRC, Lynden, WA); and Ronald VanOverloop (Grace PRC, Standale, MI). The congregation plans to call today. UPDATE: Rev. R. Van Overloop has received this call.

• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. D.Kuiper and Rev. D.Noorman in Byron Center PRC; Prof. R.Cammenga and Rev. J.Maatman in Hudsonville PRC; Prof. B.Huizinga and Rev. J.Holstege in Kalamazoo PRC; Prof. B.Gritters and Rev. J.Smidstra in Providence PRC. We thank the Lord for this blessing of our church federation to help one another in this need.
  
  May we also continue to pray for all the needs of these vacant congregations, including Wingham PRC, which cannot receive pulpit supply from the U.S. at this time (pandemic travel restrictions), though she has resumed in-person worship services.
  
  
• For those who may still be limited to house worship, whether completely or partially, we invite you to visit the PR churches page and follow the links to the websites where the churches' livestream may be found. Or you may visit the selected audio sermon page and listen to one of your choice there.
  
  
• Did you know that...
  • there are a couple of Easter singspirations this evening in the PRC? Immanuel PRC in Lacombe has one tonight and First PRC Holland has one planned for this evening as well. A wonderful way to rejoice in our risen Savior!
  • there a couple of regional young people "conventions" being planned and prepared for after the main Federation Board one was cancelled for the second year in a row? Here are the details - reasons for rejoicing with our young people who need their Christian fellowship:
    • With thankfulness, the committee for the Midwest YP Retreat to be held at Inspiration Hills in IA on August 9-11 announces that we have had an overwhelming response to registration and are currently full. Any registrations received after March 31st, will be added to a waiting list, and alerted if space opens up. Thank you to those who have registered, we look forward to seeing you this fall.
    • Because the regular large convention was cancelled recently, a committee of Grace Church Adults is working to put together a smaller convention that includes Grandville, Pittsburgh, Byron Center, Spokane, and Lynden PRC church’s young people. We are planning to have it from August 9-13 at a camp in Indiana called Quaker Haven, which is about 6 hours from Pittsburgh. More details will come out in April once we are more organized and have more information etc. If anyone has questions, please contact Nick Kleyn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. call 616-291-4647.The following is a link to a quick review of the camp:https://youtu.be/hXqWPiLSk1E

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The seminary has now completed eleven weeks of its second semester. This week is Spring break week, so there are no classes; but seminary will still be open daily from 8-5 (M-F). Continue to remember the seminary's faculty, students, and staff in your prayers as we approach the final third of the semester.
• The second round of Practice Preaching began on March 29, with Sems. J.Tan and M.Wee delivering their sermons. On Monday, April 12, Sems. M.Koerner and I.Peters will deliver theirs.
• The print version of the Fall 2020 issue of the PRTS Journal is now available. The digital copies (pdf & epub) have been posted on the seminary website. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, please call or email the seminary.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.

Read the latest Covenant Reformed News - March 2021 - just out this past week!

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore: 
  • From the "Pastoral Voice" in her bulletin today: This week we eagerly anticipated the long-awaited announcement of further relaxing of the circuit breaker measures in relation to the worship services. With effect from 5th April 2021, congregational singing is allowed during the worship service. However, face mask must be worn at all times even during singing and the total times for singing must not exceed 30 minutes. We are thankful to God for the latest provision and as we went through the limitation of not able to sing aloud in the past, we hope that this will stir in us the earnest desire to sing and praise God not only from our heart but also with our lips.“My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth will praisedthee with joyful lips” – Psalm 63:5
    
  • A new issue of Salt Shakers is out - February 2021, #64! Be sure to read the varied and profitable articles - especially the young people!
• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland and her Limerick, Ireland mission:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word to the saints in Ballymena.
  • Read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News" - March 2021! - just our this past week
  • Rev. M.McGeown continues to minister the Word in Limerick until he is able to come to the U.S. to serve Providence PRC. In today's bulletin he provides this update: The Irish government recently announced some changes to the COVID-19 restrictions, but nothing very significant. From 12 April we may travel within our own county and we may meet with one other household outdoors but not in a private garden. On 4 May the government will review the current ban on in-person religious services.  “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4).
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  
  • A new Philippine Newsletter was recently released! Read it at the link provided here.
    
  • From Berean PRC in Manila: Rev. R.Smit led her in-person services today. Rev. Ibe is scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija on Saturday (April 3, 2021). He will lead them in their Bible study on the book of Ephesians 1. Ptr. Ibe will also give a Word of edification on Sunday at 9:00 A.M., all the Lord willing.
  • Provident PRC bulletin: "Rev. D. Kleyn is scheduled to preach for us today. The services are being live streamed on the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page."
    
  • PRCP Seminary News: Classes resumed on March 23, following midterm exams and Spring break.
  • The Classis of the PRCP was unable to meet this past week because of the increased quarantine level (ECQ). If possible, Classis plans to meet on Friday, April 9, here in Provident, the Lord willing.

Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

• Rev. R.Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA) is currently doing a series on the Gospel according to Mark. Today's message is a special Easter one based on Matthew 28:5,6 and titled "Fear Not, for He Is Risen."
  
• Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast (Google Music, Spotify, and iTunes), or visit the links provided here to listen to this program. Have you listened lately?
• The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet (see the attachment to this news post for the latest one - March 2021). These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Commitee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  

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REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM:

Check out the Reformed Free Publishing Association's latest offerings - in store (Jenison, near 20th and Baldwin) or online!

• Want to learn more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  
  
• Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.
  
  
• For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.
  
  
• Reformed Book Outlet news:

  The Reformed Book Outlet has reopened and you are welcome to shop the store in downtown Hudsonville (MI). If you have any needs during this time, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This Week's Thought for Contemplation:

Q. 45.  What doth the resurrection of Christ profit us?

A.  First, by His resurrection He has overcome death, that He might make us partakers of that righteousness which He had purchased for us by His death; secondly, we are also by His power raised up to a new life; and lastly, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge of our blessed resurrection.

Lord's Day 17 of the Heidelberg Catechism